Ethics, Professionalism and Governance: Case Study and Recommendations

This report delves into the critical aspects of ethics, professionalism, and governance within a workplace context, centered around a case study involving the use of company computers. The analysis begins with an executive summary, highlighting the importance of ethical conduct and its impact on organizational culture. The report then examines the case study, applying Chris MacDonald's methodology to resolve an ethical dilemma. It assesses consequences, analyzes actions, and considers moral principles to guide decision-making. The report explores the ACS Code of Ethics, encompassing honesty, professional development, and professionalism, along with the ACS Code of Professional Conduct, including public interest, life quality, honesty, competence, and professionalism. Furthermore, the report references relevant Australian legislation, specifically the Workplace Surveillance Act 2005, and concludes with recommendations, emphasizing the importance of adhering to workplace rules and ethical conduct. The report culminates in a conclusion that emphasizes the need for proper ethics, professionalism, and governance in the workplace to foster a positive working environment and a strong organizational culture. References are provided to support the analysis.

Running head: ETHICS, PROFESSIONALISM AND GOVERNANCE
Use of Company Computers
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author’s note:

1ETHICS, PROFESSIONALISM AND GOVERNANCE
Executive Summary
Ethics is defined as the conduct of moral ideas and behavioral conduct of human beings.
They can deal with the correct behavior and thus can evaluate the conduct and thus provide
negative and positive values based on it. This case study is based on the code of conduct
that are needed in a particular working environment. Based on the case study, certain
recommendations and conclusions are derived that can improve the environment of the
workplace.

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Table of Contents
1. Introduction..................................................................................................................... 3
2. Discussion on the Case Study.........................................................................................3
2.1 The ACS Code of Ethics..........................................................................................3
2.2 The ACS Code of Professional Conduct..................................................................3
3. Australian Legislation Based On the Case Study............................................................4
4. Recommendation............................................................................................................ 4
5. Conclusion...................................................................................................................... 4
6. References...................................................................................................................... 5

3ETHICS, PROFESSIONALISM AND GOVERNANCE
1. Introduction
The code of ethics and the conduct of professionalism outlines the principle of ethics.
These can help in governing decisions that are required in an organization or a company.
There are some ethical codes, which can provide some general outlines of the behavioral
aspects within the workplace (Bishop 2013).
2. Discussion on the Case Study
The following case study is based on an ethical dilemma, which is faced by Joseph.
Based on the particular case, Joseph should follow Chris MacDonald’s methodology
(Hartman, DesJardins and MacDonald 2014) in order to resolve the particular ethical
dilemma. Firstly, Joseph should deeply analyze the consequences of his actions. He would
have to decide about the benefits and harms that could occur based on his decision and
impact of his decisions on the health of the organization.
After the consequences are analyzed, Joseph should analyze the actions. After
analyzing, he should also keep a measure of the moral principles such as fairness and
respecting the self-esteem of others. He should also consider the rights of the people.
Based on the analyzing of the consequences and action, Joseph should make a
decision and thus act upon that.
2.1 The ACS Code of Ethics
The three values can be described as follows:
1. Honesty – This can ensure that an individual would be honest in their skills at their
workplace.
2. Professional Development – This ethic can ensure an individual’s professional
development along with the staff and colleagues.
3. Professionalism – This code of ethic would be helpful in enhancing the integrity and
respect of the workplace, organization or society (Burmeister 2013).
2.2 The ACS Code of Professional Conduct
The five clauses of professional conduct can be described as:
1. Primacy of Public Interest – In this context, the public interest should have a higher
precedence over personal interests. Any arising conflict should be resolved in favor
of the interest of the public.
2. The Development of Life Quality - The development of the Information and
Communication Technology (ICT) has made a major impact on the society. This

4ETHICS, PROFESSIONALISM AND GOVERNANCE
would struggle to improve the life quality of the individuals who are affected by the
work.
3. Honesty – This quality ensures that the trust of the public should not be breached in
professional area.
4. Competence – Such works should be accepted, which an individual has the
capability to perform.
5. Professionalism – This code can support in taking the right action, which can
include whistle blowing when an unethical behavior is noticed (Shapiro, Whittermore
and Tsen 2014).
3. Australian Legislation Based On the Case Study
In New South Wales, the Workplace Surveillance Act 2005 had come into effect. The
Act had regulated surveillance of video, tracking, monitoring and recording of emails and
access to websites.
4. Recommendation
Based on the study, it is highly recommended that Joseph should comply with the
rules of the workplace and thus accord to the Chris MacDonald’s methodology. He should be
honest and dedicated towards his work. He can also put forward a suggestion to the
manager of the company as to provide an agreement about the use of specific websites.
5. Conclusion
Based on the case study, it can be concluded that proper ethics, professionalism and
a proper governance is a needed factor in the workplace. This would enhance the culture of
the workplace and thus provide a proper working environment.

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6. References
Bishop, W.H., 2013. The role of ethics in 21st century organizations. Journal of Business
Ethics, 118(3), pp.635-637.
Burmeister, O.K., 2013. Achieving the goal of a global computing code of ethics through an
international-localisation hybrid. Ethical Space, 10(4), pp.25-32.
Hartman, L.P., DesJardins, J.R. and MacDonald, C., 2014. Business ethics: Decision
making for personal integrity and social responsibility. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Shapiro, J., Whittemore, A. and Tsen, L.C., 2014. Instituting a culture of professionalism: the
establishment of a center for professionalism and peer support. Joint Commission journal on
quality and patient safety, 40(4), pp.168-177.